GB2403430A - Adjustable exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The adjustable exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises using at least part of the user's bodyweight as a resisting force, comprises a support structure of two support frames 12, 13, base means 18, 21, and cross member 26. Elongate handle means 34, 54 are releasably secured to the support structure and can moved between a plurality of predetermined positions. Lower body support means 46, is suspended from the support structure and may be raised and lowered between and secured in a plurality of positions via the suspending means 39, 44 and securing means 36, 35. The apparatus further comprises a rigid board 15 and additional detachable handle and body support means. An embodiment of the apparatus may be adjusted between erected and collapsed configurations.

Description

1 2403430

ADJUSTABLE EXERCISE APPARATUS

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises.

There are many types of apparatus available for fitness and strength training. Such apparatus is commonly used by individuals in fitness centres, health suites or in the work or the home environment. Over the last few years, with increasing emphasis on healthy lifestyles it has become popular for people to use exercise apparatus and fitness equipment to keep themselves fit. In particular it is a requirement of certain employment, such as the military, or certain sports, for example climbing, that a high level of physical fitness is developed and maintained.

Circuit training and the use of bodyweight exercises are increasingly recognised as some of the most effective methods of building and maintaining functional fitness appropriate to the needs of the individual. For military personnel, for example, this functional fitness may include a requirement to lift or move the body over obstacles and carry weight. For climbers this functional fitness may include, for example, a requirement to lift their own bodyweight.

Many people, particularly when commencing an exercise regime, do not possess the strength or fitness to perform bodyweight exercises without some form of assistance.

Therefore any apparatus designed to assist in the performance of these exercises should have a means of adjusting the difficulty levels of exercises to accommodate a wide variation in the fitness ability of users. Many known apparatus that use bodyweight to provide resistance, such as press up handles, chin up bars, 'power towers' and dip bars do not make provision for such variation. Apparatus, such as 'multi gyms' that do have such means to vary difficulty levels tend to be complex and expensive.

Many people do not have the time to concentrate on exercising specific parts of their body S in isolation. It is recognised that one of the most effective methods of building balanced fitness and strength is through the use of apparatus that engage a users stabilising muscles when exercising. A disadvantage of much known apparatus, such as 'multi gyms', is that it may only be used to exercise certain muscles of the body in isolation. A requirement exists therefore for apparatus that can work groups of muscles in synergy thereby developing fitness in a time efficient manner.

Working groups of muscles in synergy, and in particular the core muscles of the body such as the abdominals and spinal erectors, in a majority of exercises may also decrease the risk of injury. A disadvantage of much known apparatus is it may only be used to exercise certain muscles of the body in isolation, which may create imbalances of strength or fitness between different muscle groups and increase the risk of injury to the body.

Ideally apparatus should have a means of adjustment to accommodate different sizes of user. A further disadvantage of many known apparatus where the user's bodyweight provides resistance is a lack of said means of adjustment.

It is advantageous for an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention to be readily transported and stored. Military personnel on deployments often go for long periods without proper exercise equipment due to constraints of space, weight and cost caused by the incumbent disadvantages of much known apparatus. The majority of such apparatus is heavy and bulky, often due to weights being used to provide resistance, which makes transporting and storage of the apparatus very difficult. Additionally much known apparatus can be time consuming to set up and, if necessary, dismantle and often requires considerable space to be exclusively dedicated to their use. The solutions by the military have in the past been unsatisfactory, often comprising 'home-made' exercise equipment of limited versatility. If exercise equipment is provided there are usually long delays in its shipment, and it often never reaches those furthest from logistic support. For those who engage in certain sports, such as climbers and windsurfers, there is a requirement for home fitness equipment that can be readily stored and that does not require the same dedicated space as, for example, many types of home gym require, but has the versatility to provide the functional fitness required to get the most out of their chosen pursuit.

A purpose of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which can be used to perform a wide range of body exercises, using at least part of the user's bodyweight as a resisting force, involving groups of muscles at various levels of difficulty for different sizes of user. Furthermore an embodiment of the invention may be readily transported, stored, assembled and dismantled for use in different environments According to the present invention, there is provided an adjustable exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises using at least part ofthe user's bodyweight as a resisting force, comprising a support structure with a plurality of structural members, a plurality of handle means and means to attach the plurality of handle means to the support structure, at least one lower body support means, and suspending means to suspend the lower body support means from the support structure in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the support structure in erected configuration may comprise two substantially vertically oriented spaced apart support frames. Each support frame may comprise at least two elongate structural members. The support structure may further include at least one cross member located at an upper portion of the support structure. The support frames may be rigidly connected and spaced apart by at least one base means, comprising at least one cross member. The base means may further comprise at least one stabilising extension to ensure the stability of the apparatus when in use.

In a preferred embodiment the plurality of handle means of the apparatus of the invention may be adjustable between and securable in a plurality of positions on the support structure. In one embodiment the handle means may be secured at pre determined positions on one or more structural members, such as for example, by the provision of slots or tubes on one or more structural members into which protrusions on the handle means may fit.

An alternative method for securing the handle means to the support structure may be by shaping the handle means around the member in such a way as to grip the member to which it is attached when downward pressure is applied to the handle. Lifting the handle means may release the grip and allow adjustment between a plurality of positions.

A further method for the attachment of the handle means to the support structure may be via sleeve means. The sleeve means may be adjustable between and securable in a plurality of positions on the member to which it is attached by, for example, the use of pins on the sleeve means engaging apertures on the member on which it is sleeved.

In a preferred embodiment the lower body support means may be suspended from the S support structure via the suspending means, such as straps or cords, in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the support structure.

In one embodiment the suspending means may be releasably secured in a plurality of pre determined positions along part of the length of at least one of the structural members. The lO securing means may for example comprise pins attached to the suspending means, or pins on sleeve means to which the suspending means are attached, engaging apertures regularly spaced along at least part the length of at least one structural member, or, for example, hooks on the suspending means secured to eyes regularly spaced along at least part of the length of the at least one structural member.

In an alternative method the suspending means may be releasably secured to fixed securing means on the support structure, such as for example a jamming cleat or hook.

A further method for adjusting the position of the lower body support means relative to the support structure may comprise means to adjust the useful length of the suspending means, such as for example a jamming cleat or buckle, on the suspending means. By adjusting the useful length of the suspending means the support means may be adjusted between and secured in any one of a plurality of positions relative to and between the support frames of the support structure.

Advantageously the embodiments of the securing means and suspending means allow the lower body support means to be raised and lowered between and secured in a plurality of different positions relative to and between the support frames of the support structure thus facilitating a wide range of different exercises.

In an embodiment guide means, such as for example eyelets or pulleys, may be connected at suitable positions on the support structure. Such guide means may allow the suspending means, such as straps, to be guided from the connections on the lower body support means to securing positions located on the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment a plurality of additional detachable handle, bar and support means may be provided to allow greater versatility of use of the apparatus. Attachment means, such as hooks and eyes or clips may be suitably located at a plurality of positions on the support structure or existing handle means. Advantageously these may allow exercises such as flys, wide arm rows, and back extensions to be readily performed.

In one embodiment of the apparatus at least one of the elongate structural members of each support frame may be releasably, such as pivotally, slidably or physically disconnectable connected so as to allow the support apparatus to be adjusted between an erected configuration for use and collapsed configurations for storage or transport.

In an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention the overall height of the support structure may be upwardly extendable for use and collapsible for compact storage or transportation. The extendable adjustment may be achieved for example, by upwardly extending at least one of the structural members of each support frame by telescopic or slidably adjustable means. Advantageously this method may allow the apparatus to be used in locations with restricted ceiling height by permitting variations in the amount of upward extension.

Alternatively the height adjustment may be made by releasably connecting at least one separate elongate upward extension to each support frame or to at least one of the structural members of each support frame, by for example, a sleeved connection.

Advantageously this may be a cost effective solution.

In a further method for adjusting the height of the support structure at least one elongate upward extension may be pivotally connected to each support frame or to an upper end portion of at least one of the structural members of each support frame and may be pivoted upwards and secured in position when the apparatus is being set up for or in use and vice versa for storage or transportation. Beneficially this may be the most readily usable means of upwardly extending the support structure for use.

Securing means, such as pins and apertures, or tightening screws, or bolts may be provided on the support structure and extensions to allow the various embodiments ofthe extensions to be fixed at selected heights or detached or lowered for storage or transportation. Safety means, such as spring loaded pins and apertures may be provided to ensure any slidable or telescopic adjustment may be safely controlled. Further safety means may include locking means to prevent any slidable or telescopic adjustment to be made when the apparatus is in a collapsed configuration.

In an embodiment where the apparatus of the invention may be readily moved between erected and collapsed configurations, means to secure the support structure in an erected configuration may be provided. The securing means may, for example, be located between the elongate structural members of each support frame of the support structure, or between the base means of the support structure or a combination thereof. The securing means may, for example, take the form of at least one catch, or locking pin, or at least one connecting strap or beam, or pivot means with finite movement, or combinations thereof.

The securing means may be releasable or adjustable to allow the support structure to be collapsed for storage. Additional securing means may be provided to allow the support structure to be secured in a stored position.

In an embodiment means for assisting the movement of the apparatus to various positions around, for example, a gymnasium, may be provided. These means may comprise, for example, a roller or wheels or castors attached to the base means of the apparatus.

In an embodiment further means for stabilising the apparatus for use may be provided.

These means may comprise, for example, height adjustable feet attached to the base means.

Advantageously these may enhance the usability of the apparatus on an uneven surface.

Other preferred features of the invention will emerge from the following description.

Embodiments of the invention shall now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure I is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, Figures 2a to 2c are perspective views of different configurations of the apparatus of Figure I with additional handle and support means attached, Figures 3a to 3r are side elevational illustrations of exercises being performed on the apparatus, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further collapsible embodiment.

Figure 6 is side elevational views of a different method of upwardly extending a collapsible embodiment of the apparatus for use.

Figure 7 is side elevational views of a further method of upwardly extending a collapsible embodiment ofthe apparatus for use.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of part of the apparatus of Figure 4 illustrating examples of safety systems.

Figures 9a to 9d illustrate a different embodiment of the handle and attachment means.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an apparatus embodying the invention generally designated by reference numeral 11. The apparatus 11 has support frames 12 and 13 comprising elongate structural members 29, 48, 51, 22. Base means 18, 21 comprising elongate cross members 16, 45 are connected, for example via bolts or welds (not shown), between the support frames 12, 13, rigidly spacing the support frames 12, 13 apart in substantially vertical mutually parallel planes. Elongate stabilising extensions 14, 17, 20, 47 of the base means extend laterally away from the support frames in a substantially horizontal plane and partially or totally in contact with the support surface to impede the support structure from tipping when pressure is applied to handle means 34, 54 or cross bar 26.

The cross bar 26, is connected, for example via bolts or welds (not shown) , between upper portions of the structural members 29, 51. The preferred location of the cross bar, 26, at a position normally above the head of a standing exercising individual may allow a variety of exercises to be performed such as pull ups and leg raises. The cross bar extends 27, 25 on either side of the structural members 29, 51 to allow exercises such as wide arm pull ups to be performed. By being so connected to the structural members 29, 51 the cross member, 26, enhances the stability and rigidity of the support structure.

The structural members 29, 51 are arranged in a plane oblique to the vertical and rearwards and supported by structural members 48, 22 arranged in a plane oblique to the vertical and forwards that are connected 37, 42 via bolts or welds for example (not shown) to upper middle portions of members 29, 51 such that when viewed in side elevation structural members 51, 22 and 29, 48 may form an approximate shape of an inverted y. This arrangement allows the lower body support means 46 to be suspended from an upper part of the structural members 29, 51 at a convenient distance for exercising from the handle means 34, 54, and may allow pull up exercises to be performed on the cross bar 26 unimpeded by the support structure.

Structural members 24, 40 are connected, via bolts or welds for example, between structural members 22, 51 and 48, 29 to support the cantilevered arrangement of the upper portions of the structural members 51, 29. Structural members 19, 55 are connected, via bolts or welds for example, between the lower portions of structural members 22, 51 and 48, 29 respectively to counteract levering forces when pressure is applied to the cross bar 26 or lower body support means 46.

The handle means 34, 54 of the apparatus of the invention are adjustable between and securable in a plurality of positions on the structural members 29, 51. In this embodiment the handle means are secured at predetermined positions on the structural members 29, 51 by the provision of slots into which protrusions on the handle means fit. Dependent on the exercise and body position desired, the handles may be lifted out and moved to alternate slot positions with ease. The handles may be for example, positioned in the lower slots 33, 53, as shown, for press ups and incline press ups, slots 32, 52 for supported dips, slots 30, 49, for supported rows, or the upper slots 28, 43 for supported pull ups and dips.

The handle means 34, 54 are elongate and extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially horizontally forward from the members 29, 51 thus allowing exercises to be performed unimpeded by the structural members of the support structure. The handle means have eyes welded at end portions to allow attachment of further handle means, l S illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b.

The dimensions of the support structure are such as to allow a wide range of users of different sizes to use the apparatus effectively. The width between the handle means 34, 54 is such as to allow comfortable use during press up and dip exercises by a wide range of users of different body sizes.

The heights of the pre- determined positions for the handle means 34, 54, are such as to allow a wide variety of users of differing sizes to perform a plurality of exercises correctly and unimpeded by the ground or the support structure of the apparatus, as further illustrated in Figures 3a to 3r.

The triangular configurations and obliquity of the elongate structural members 22, 48 allow support means, such as a strap and a padded bar, for supporting the user during back extension exercises, to be releasably attached at convenient spacing and angle. These are further illustrated in Figure 2c and Figure 3r.

The lower body support means 46 of the apparatus comprises a bar padded with a cushioning element for the comfort of the user. The suspending means comprises straps 39, 44. The lower body support means, 46, is suspended substantially horizontally between the two frames 12, 13 by the straps, 39, 44. The straps 39, 44 allow the lower body support means, 46, to swing freely on impulse between the two support frames 12, 13. During exercises the user may rest their feet or legs on the lower body support means while gripping the handle means 34, 54. The lower body support means, 46, is spaced from the handle means 34, 54 by the oblique arrangement of structural members 29, 51 at a distance that allows a plurality of users of different body sizes to readily rest their lower body on the lower body support means while holding the handle means.

When in use the lower body support means, 46, may swing freely on impulse to allow the user to perform certain exercises, such as incline press ups, rows and supported dips, with fluidity and with a full range of movement. The fluidity and full range of movement may be achieved because the lower body support means, 46, may move to adjust for the changing distances between a user's hands and lower body support position as the exercises are performed. This fluidity and full range of movement may be difficult if not impossible to achieve were the lower body to be in a fixed position, such as, for example, resting on the floor or on a chair.

Advantageously allowing the lower body support means, 46, to swing freely may permit ready movement of the lower body support means between a plurality of different support positions along part of the users lower body. Dependent on the support position, more or less of the users bodyweight may be supported, therefore allowing the difficulty levels of the exercises to be easily varied.

By using the lower body support means in this way the core stabilising muscles of the lower back and aWomen are used during a majority of exercises, providing a balanced workout.

Beneficially, permitting the lower body support means, 46, to swing freely may allow ready movement of the lower body support means to different positions relative to the handle means 34, 54 to accommodate different sized users. The connections (not shown) between the lower body support means, 46, and the straps 39, 44 may be releasable to permit use of other attachments, as illustrated in Figure 2c. Examples of how exercises are performed with the lower body support means are illustrated in Figures 3a to 3r.

The straps 39, 44 are guided by eyelets, 38, or other means such as pulleys (not shown) from the connections with the lower body support means, 46, to easily accessible securing positions on the members 29, 51. The eyelets, 38, are connected to upper portions of the structural members 29, 51 to allow a range of vertical position adjustment for the lower body support means, 46, and therefore a plurality of support positions for different exercises.

The straps 39, 44 are releasably secured in positions along the members 29, Sl. The securing means for the straps comprises pins, 36, attached to the straps engaging apertures, 35, regularly spaced along part ofthe length ofthe members 29, Sl. Engaging the pins, 36, in different apertures allows the lower body support means, 46, to be raised and lowered S between and secured in a plurality of different positions thus facilitating a wide range of different exercises.

The apparatus may be made of suitably robust materials, such as steel, aluminium and plastics. The elongate structural members of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 have a square or rectangular hollow cross section and the handles 34, 54 and cross member, 26, and bar of the body support means, 46, have a circular cross section.

Rigid boards, ISA and lSB, are provided to assist with the performance of various exercises such as, for example, sit ups, incline sit ups and crunches. The board l SB may IS be provided with attachment means comprising straps and clips (not shown) to releasably connect it at an end portion to the handle means 34, 54, or straps 39, 44 or bar 74 of Figure 2c. Advantageously, when so connected, by varying the positions of the handle means 34, 54, straps 39, 44 or bar 74 the gradient of the board may be increased or decreased thus increasing or decreasing the difficulty or precise nature of the exercise. A cushion element is provided on the boards for the comfort of the user when performing exercises.

Referring to Figure 2a to 2c there is shown by way of example different configurations of the apparatus l l of Figure l using additional handle means, bars and strap supports. In Figure 2a handles 71, 72, have been attached by straps and clips to eyes at an end portion of the handles 34, 54. These permit exercises such as flys, wide grip and narrow grip press ups to be performed. In Figure 2b a bar, 73, has been attached via clips to eyes at an end portion of the handle means 34, 54 to allow wide grip and narrow grip rows to be performed. In Figure 2c padded bar 74 and strap support 75 have been releasably connected between the two structural members 22, 48 via locking pins engaging apertures to support the user during back extension exercises.

{ú:.A 3 C') Referring to Figures 3a to 3r there are illustrated in side elevational view different configurations of apparatus l l of Figure l in which a user is performing some of the range of exercises possible. The movement of the user is indicated by arrows A, B. The movement of the body support means, 46, is indicated by arrows C, D. The dotted line l O represents the straps 39, 44 of apparatus 11.

In Figure 3a the user is performing press up exercises, resting his or her feet on the lower body support means, 46, for maximum difficulty. In Figure 3b the same exercise is being performed but the user is supporting his or her lower body at the knees, therefore making the exercise less strenuous. In Figure 3c the user is performing an incline press up with the body support means, 46, raised. As the exercise is performed the body support means is moved in the direction of the arrows C, D to compensate for the changing distance between the users hands and feet, allowing the exercise to be performed with fluidity.

In Figure 3d the user is performing rowing type exercises. In Figure 3e the user is performing the same exercise but with greater support and therefore less strenuous. The user is also using the releasable bar, 73, of Figure 2b to change the emphasis of the exercise to a wider or narrower grip. In Figure 3f the user is performing an incline row with greater emphasis on using the muscles of the upper back. It is particularly advantageous in rowing exercises for the lower body support means, 46, to move to allow the exercises to be performed fluidly as the distance between the position of the hands and lower body of the user changes considerably during the exercises. In Figure 3g the user is performing a dip exercise with the handles 34, 54, in an upper position on the support structure. In Figure 3h the user is performing a less strenuous dip exercise using the body S support means, 46, for assistance.

In Figure 3i the user is performing a pull up exercise using the cross bar, 26. The obliquity of the structural members 29, S1 allow this exercise to be performed unimpeded by the support structure. In Figure 3j the user is performing a pull up exercise using the lower body support means, 46, for assistance and the bar, 73, to change the emphasis of the exercise to a wide or narrow grip.

In Figure 3k the user is performing shoulder and chest exercises by moving his or her body position with the assistance of the lower body support means, 46. In Figure 3m the user is IS performing fly exercises to exercise the chest, using detachable handle means 71, 72 of Figure 2a attached to the end portions of the handle means 34, 54. The detachable handle means 71, 72, can also be used to perform wide or narrow grip press ups.

In Figure 3n the user is performing an incline sit up exercise using the rigid board, IS, attached to the handle means 34, 54. In Figure 3p the user is exercising the muscles of the legs by performing one legged squats, supporting the other leg on the lower body support means, 46, and using the handles, 34 54 to aid balance. In Figure 3q the user is performing squat thrust exercises by moving the lower body support means, 46, with the use of his or her abdominal muscles.

In Figure 3r the user is performing back extension exercises using bar 74 and strap support of Figure 2c releasably connected to the support structure. The user is resting his or her thighs on the strap, 75, with his or her ankles hooked under the bar 74. The user uses the muscles of the lower back to raise his or her upper body.

Use of the apparatus in the manner described above permits users of different sizes and fitness ability to perform an efficient and effective exercise regime using a plurality of muscle groups in the majority of exercises. In particular the use of the core muscles of the body, such asthe abdominals and spinal erectors, in many of the exercises, provides a balanced workout. The use of the lower body support means, 46, allows a plurality of exercises to be performed fluidly, with a full range of movement, at different difficulty levels.

Referring to Figure 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the l S invention which may be collapsed for storage or readily dismantled for transport. This embodiment may be particularly advantageous for users for whom space is limited, or for users such as the military who may require to collapse and transport the apparatus frequently.

Structural members 22A, 51A and 48A, 29A are connected via pivoting connections with finite movement 85, 94 respectively. Extensions 51B and 29B are telescopically extended from structural members 51A and 29A and secured in the desired position by securing means comprising pins 87, 93 engaging apertures 88, 92. Hand tightened screws, 86, ensure the rigidity of the extensions. Members 82, 95 are connected via hinges between lower portions of structural members 51A, 22A and 29A, 48A respectively, and are foldable. Base means 18, 21 are releasably connected via brackets and bolts 80, 81, 97, 84 to structural frames 12, 13. An alternative method (not shown) of connection may be via sleeving elements on the base means 18, 21 inside the structural frame members 29A, 51 A, 22A, 48A and securing using hand tightening screws. Cross bar 26 is releasably connected via sleeves 9O, 91 and hand tightening screws 89 to extensions SIB, 29B.

To collapse the apparatus for storage the securing means securing the extensions 29B, 51B may be released to allow the extensions to be slid down inside structural members 29A, 51A in the direction of arrows A. Hinged members 82, 95 may be lifted up in the lO directions of arrows B and structural members 51A, 29A may be folded towards structural members 22A, 48A in the direction of arrows C. To set the apparatus up for use the procedure may be carried out in reverse.

To collapse the apparatus for transport handles 34, 54 may be removed, and base means 18, 21 and cross bar 26 disconnected from their respective attachments to the structural members to allow the apparatus to be disassembled. The apparatus may then be transported using the rigid board 15 as a base, the apparatus being attached via suitable means for example straps or a bag (not shown). To aid transport the board 15 may be provided with wheels 83, 96.

Base board 15 may also be via hinges (not shown) at an end portion to structural member 21 and to hinged members 82, 95 (not shown) to ease the method of collapsing the apparatus.

Referring to Figure 5 an alternative method of collapsing the apparatus for storage or transport is illustrated. Cross bar extensions 27A, 25A are releasably connected to extensions 29B, 51B via suitable means, such as bolts or hand tightened screws (not shown). Base means extensions 14A, 17A, 20A, 47A are releasably connected via suitable means, such as bolts or hand tightened screws to lower portions of structural members 29A, 51A, 22A, 48A respectively. To collapse this embodiment the cross bar extensions, 27A, 25A and base means extensions 14A, 17A, 20A, 47A may be disconnected. The securing means securing the extensions 29B, S l B may be released to allow the extensions I to be slid down inside structural members 29A, 51A in the direction of arrows A. Hinged I members 82, 95 may be lifted up in the directions of arrows B and structural members 51 A, 29A may be folded towards structural members 22A, 48A in the direction of arrows C. To set the apparatus up for use the procedure may be carried out in reverse. This method may allow the apparatus to be collapsed to a rectangular frame for transport or storage.

Referring to Figure 6 a side elevational view of a different method of the operation of the i upward extensions of a collapsible embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is shown by way of example only. To set up the apparatus for use, structural member 51C may be folded away from structural member 22B about pivot means 102 in the direction of arrow A and secured by means of hand tightened screw 101. Extension 51D may be raised upwards about the pivot means 103 in the direction of arrow B and secured by hinged support means 106, sleeve and spring pin 105 and hand tightening screw means 104. To fold the extension downwards for storage or transportation the procedure may be reversed.

Referring to Figure 7 a side elevational view of a further method of upwardly extending for use a collapsible embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is shown by way of example only. To set up the apparatus for use, structural member 22C may be folded away from structural member 51E about pivot means 85 in the direction of arrow A. Extension 51F may be attached by sleeve means 110 sleeving inside structural member 51E in the direction of arrow B and secured by hand tightened screw 111. To remove the extension for storage or transportation the procedure may be reversed.

Referring to Figure 8 there is shown a cross sectional illustration of the connection between structural members 51 A, 51 B. 22A of the apparatus described in Figure 4. The illustration shows, by way of example only, safety features that may be selectively incorporated to ensure the safe operation of any telescopic or slidable adjustment. A spring steel circle 120 is placed inside extension 51B with slots in the extension walls to allow the spring steel to expand against the inner walls of structural member 5 IA causing friction to slow the lowering of extension 5 IB. A projection 121 is attached to structural member 22A to prevent the apparatus from being collapsed until the extension 51B is lowered such that slot 123 is aligned with projection 121. This ensures the extension may only be lowered at an oblique and more controllable angle. A spring pin 122 is situated to press against extension 51B through a slot in the wall of structural member 51A, causing friction to aid raising and lowering of the extension under control. Pin 87 and hand tightened screw 86 ensure the extension is firmly secured in a raised position.

Referring to Figures 9a to 9d there is shown an alternative and preferred method of constructing and attaching the releasable handle means of the apparatus of the invention.

The handle 130A comprises a steel tube angled towards one end, illustrated by Figures 9a (side view) and 9b (top view). The handle has lugs attached 132, 133 and a disc 131. The lug 133 may slot into tubes 134 welded on the reverse of structural member 29, illustrated in Figure 9c, while the lug 132 rests on the forward slope of the structural member. Disc 131 prevents the handle from sliding out of position when the handle is attached. Handle S 1 30B is a mirror image of handle 1 30A. Figure 9d shows the position of the handle means from a front view. Advantageously the angle in the handles design allows the user to take a wider or narrower grip, dependent on where the handles are held. The handles may also be placed on opposite sides to those illustrated to narrow the users grip for exercises such as dips.

Claims (29)

1. An adjustable exercise apparatus for use in performing exercises using at least part of the user's bodyweight as a resisting force, comprising a support structure with a plurality of structural members, a plurality of handle means and means to attach the plurality of handle means to the support structure, at least one lower body support means, and suspending means to suspend the lower body support means from the support structure in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the support structure.

2. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the support structure comprises two substantially vertically oriented, opposed, spaced apart support frames.

3. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 2 in which the support frames each comprise at least two elongate structural members.

4. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure further includes at least one cross member located at an upper portion of the support structure.

5. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure further includes at least one base means comprising at least one cross member.

6. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to either of Claims 2 or 3 wherein the two substantially vertically oriented support frames are rigidly connected and spaced apart by at least one cross member.

7. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the at least one base means further includes at least one stabilising extension.

8. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the plurality of handle means are adjustable between and securable in a plurality of pre- determined positions on the structural members of the support structure.

9. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the plurality of handle means are elongate and extend from the structural member to which they are secured.

lo. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the lower body support means is suspended between the two substantially vertically oriented spaced apart support frames.

11. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the lower body support means swings freely on impulse from the user when suspended by the suspending means from the support structure.

12. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein securing means are provided to allow the suspending means and lower body support means to be raised and lowered between and secured in a plurality of positions relative to the support structure.

13. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein guide means are provided on the support structure to guide the suspending means from the lower body support means to securing means located on the support structure.

14. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim further including a plurality of additional detachable handle and body support means and means to secure them in a plurality of positions on the existing plurality of handle means and support structure to allow greater versatility of use of the apparatus.

15. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further includes at least one rigid cushioned board.

16. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus may be adjusted between erected and collapsed configurations.

17. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least i two structural members are releasably connected.

18. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises extension means to upwardly extend the overall height of the i support structure for use.

19. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein means to secure the support structure in an erected configuration are provided. i

20. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 18 wherein securing means are provided to secure the extension means in position.

21. An adjustable exercise apparatus according to Claim 19 wherein the means to secure the support structure in an erected configuration comprises at least one pivot means with finite movement.

22. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

23. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2a to 2c of the accompanying drawings.

24. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with i reference to Figures 3a to 3r of the accompanying drawings.

25. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

26. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

27. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.

28. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

29. An adjustable exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with: reference to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.